An assignment is the transfer of an off-plan buyer's position under the purchase contract to a new buyer before the unit is completed.
What It Is
In Dubai off-plan sales, the original buyer passes their contract rights, and the remaining payment obligations, to a new buyer. Because the unit is still on the interim register, the assignment has to be entered in that register to count.
What It Is Not
It is not a sale of a completed property with a title deed, and it is not a private side agreement between buyers. An off-plan disposition that is not entered in the Interim Property Register is void.
When It Is Used
Use this term when an off-plan buyer wants to sell before handover, or when someone is buying into an existing off-plan contract.
Where You’ll See It
In off-plan resale discussions, Oqood updates and assignment agreements.
Process Context
The assignment sits between the original off-plan purchase and the eventual title deed. The interim-register entry is what makes the new buyer's position count; any developer requirements are set by the developer and should be checked case by case.
Example
An investor who has paid part of the price on an off-plan apartment finds a new buyer before completion. The deal only takes effect once the assignment is entered in the interim register; the new buyer then takes over the remaining instalments.
Official source
Law No. (13) of 2008 on the Interim Property Register (Dubai Legislation Portal) — Article 3(1): an off-plan disposition is void unless entered in the Interim Property Register.
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Last reviewed: Monday, 12th October 2026